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Posted January 29, 2009

NFL Quarterback Shares his Personal Experience with Young Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires careful attention to nutrition and exercise. But it doesn't rule out an active lifestyle. That's the message Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler shared with youngsters who have also been diagnosed with diabetes during his visit to All Children's Hospital on Thursday, January 29. Cutler was in the bay area to attend Super Bowl XLIII.

Jay shares a laugh with Mitch, a diabetes patient. See more photos from Jay's visit in our Photo Gallery.

Cutler discovered in April 2008 that Type 1 diabetes was responsible for his fatigue and weight loss. Since then, he's become an active spokesperson for diabetes education and research.

Patients and families had a chance to meet and talk with Cutler, who also signed autographs and posed for photos. Cutler recently became the newest ambassador for the "Inspired by Diabetes" campaign. Representatives from Eli Lilly & Company were also be on hand with art supplies for patients to participate in its Inspired by Diabetes competition.

The Inspired by Diabetes program is a collaboration between global champions Eli Lilly and Company, the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) Unite for Diabetes initiative, and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes.

At the heart of Inspired by Diabetes is the Creative Expression Competition, which seeks written and visual expressions of the triumphs and challenges of the diabetes journey. Children, adults, family members, friends and healthcare professionals are invited to participate and share how they have been inspired by diabetes.

Grand Prize winners will be invited, with a guest, to an event to announce the winners of the U.S. competition and may have their expressions featured on the U.S. Inspired by Diabetes Web site.